Translation of agent-speak please?

First of all, remember--this is only one agent's take on your work. Another might love it. As for the commercial or "big" comment, what he means is would publishing houses clamor to pub it and would it sell well.

Also, keep in mind you received a note saying that "This is a really lovely and well-written story...." That's a good start.

First of all, congratulations on the personal. I do find this comment odd for a picture book. If 'big' was not in quotes, he could be referring to the actual length, but in picture books generally simple/small ideas win over, so I can only imagine he's referring to the scope or depth of the presentation.

Good luck

Not a big enough plot, not enough at stake for the protagonists.

waylander said:

Not a big enough plot, not enough at stake for the protagonists.

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But in a picture book? That's a bit odd.

Maybe not a big enough hook?

Hillary said:

Couldn't say without knowing what the story was, but perhaps he felt it was really sweet and well-written, but didn't resonate on a deep enough level, or have a bigger-picture type meaning.

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This is exactly what I would understand it to mean. It doesn't refer to length or anything like that - it's 'big' as in 'concept'. I would imagine that the agent/publisher thinks it's not got a big enough or wide-ranging appeal. The pbook market is very competitive at the moment, even worse than it used to be. Many publishers want a 'high-concept' book - one that can be summed up in a sentence and people go 'wow! that sounds amazing!'

However, you should indeed be chuffed with the note. He didn't have to do that at all, and you have a lovely compliment there.

From what he said, I would try sending the ms to smaller publishing houses, who sometimes are more flexible with their pbook market.

Clearly, you did not use a big enough font. Try reprinting your manuscript in Courier, size 24.

Actually, to be safe, go to the store and purchase some legal-sized print paper and use that.



Kidding aside, they were probably alluding to the marketability of the book. Do your characters leap off the page? Does your plot make people gasp/cry/laugh/shudder?

Remember, this is also only one agent's opinion.